We asked our contractor advisory panel to weigh in on their most useful and effective tools used in the field. Here’s what they had to say.

There’s no doubt the connectivity of mobile devices has made our personal lives more convenient, but now they’re also helping make technicians more efficient, thanks to tool manufacturers developing wireless-enabled devices and test and measurement apps for download.

While some contractors are willing to equip technicians with the necessary tools, others require workers to purchase their own, which can be yet another burden for someone just starting out in the field.

International Comfort Products (ICP) has announced the FAST Parts Mobile Tech App, which is designed to provide fast, up-to-date information on parts and supplies for ICP HVAC equipment and aftermarket parts. FAST Parts is a supplier of parts, supplies, and accessories to distributors who sell ICP heating and cooling equipment.

The HVAC tool market is trending toward wireless and Bluetooth technology as well as multipurpose tools — anything that can make the job faster and more accurate.

The Drill Tap Tool Kit comes with six commonly used tap tools. The kit works with aluminum, brass, copper, plastic, and mild steel. 

Among several new products launching at the AHR Expo in Chicago, Taco Inc. highlighted its new Project Builder, an HVAC productivity tool, during a special press conference on Monday. Bryan Payne, Southeast regional sales manager, said the setup of Taco’s booth this year focuses on its customers and how best to support them. 

After a day of fighting the crowds on the AHR Expo floor, attendees of the hilmor Beercade event were ready to reclaim their youth. Attendees gathered at the Headquarters Beercade River North to play such games as Techmo Bowl, Burgertime, and Asteroids. 

The new DAF3009 mini-anemometer/psychrometer with cfm/cmm & enthalpy from General Tools & Instruments offers the ability to measure eight HVACR-related parameters in one handheld device that is small and light enough for one-handed operation.

Fieldpiece is showing its new Job Link app. The all-new iPhone app connects with the company’s wireless digital manifolds and wireless psychrometer through the Fieldpiece JL2. Now HVACR professionals can take before and after measurements and save them to the cloud, and email them directly to customers.